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Audi A8

stehersteher Member Posts: 37
edited July 2014 in Audi
Any A8-Drivers or fans out there?
Would like to hear some experiences from you.

Thanx
«13456730

Comments

  • stehersteher Member Posts: 37
    Do you own an A8?
  • stehersteher Member Posts: 37
    And thanks for so much information!!!
  • joozyjoozy Member Posts: 2
    the only useful thing I can say about the A8 is that it needs a new shape.(why not it already has the image)
  • fastline486fastline486 Member Posts: 20
    Anyone seen the movie "Ronin", it is an action movie and they complety trash the A8(1997) in it. Also, trash 88 BMW 5 series along with other nice european cars.
    Just 2 questions, do directors really total the "real" car or its just a model?
    Next, what to car mag. testers(Car&Driver,Automobile,Motor Trend and others)do with the tested cars once they are finished. It seems to be pasted to other companies for testing(just what I think).

    I love all (modern)large european sedans like the A8,S Class,740i sport etc.
  • natenewkirknatenewkirk Member Posts: 1
    Just bought an A8 4.2, list price 69,000, dealer price 60. Did a little Internet shopping, found a dealer who asked $56. Went to my dealer with it and he took it!!
  • stehersteher Member Posts: 37
    Did you compare the A8 to other luxury-cars.
    Which ones and what were the reasons for your decision?
  • joozyjoozy Member Posts: 2
    anyone know when the new A8 model will be available (know of any sites that I could go see it)
  • simplesimple Member Posts: 7
    I think the A8 is by far the most attractive car on the roads today. I don't find anything wrong with its shape. It is a very aggressive and serious car, but you have to look closely to see it. I've always been partial to european cars and drove Saabs and Volvos for years. My new A8 is my third Audi, and I'm ready to stop here. I can't imagine a more rewarding experience behind the wheel, not to mention the value and service I've received. I like the 2000 S class but they inspire a different feeling than my A8, and although I haven't driven a 7-series BMW I have a friend who owns a 97 528 and a 99 540 wagon, which are very powerful and well appointed cars, but, in my opinion, loose to my A8 in style and edginess.

    I think most cars today are dependable and largely trouble free, what separates them are cost, warranty, and personal preference. Any number of cars are worth buying, it just depends on what one likes and the deal he/she gets.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I the movie Ronin, they used and S8. Anyone have any idea if that model will be sold in the U.S.?

    M
  • osamaomarosamaomar Member Posts: 8
    why doesnt audi sell the s8 in this country instead of the a8?
  • norwindnorwind Member Posts: 2
    Hello All,

    I own an A8 4.2l 1998 and have some non
    theoretical experiences to share.

    1. It takes a hell of a long time to get the AL
    automobile fixed. I was run off the road at a high
    speed clover leaf access and what looked like a
    safe run off zone had a hidden 4' deep drainage
    ditch. Over three months w/o my ten day old car.
    Cost to my insurance company $27,000.

    2. Rear vision from the driver's seat is
    dangerously poor. The passenger's outside mirror is
    small and awful with several major blind spots on
    the right. Driver's side is a little better,
    however, compared to the S class cars I have driven
    it is outrageous that Audi would do such a
    shameful job on the safety details. Directly out
    the rear window there are major blind areas due to
    the very large rear seat head rests. In addition
    the C pillar's design was deemed production ready
    in 1991.

    The 1991 date came from one of two books Audi
    sends its' A8 owners. I am still surprised at the
    emphasis made about the C pillar size being fixed
    as it is by management. Between the head rests and
    the fat pillars there are two very large blind
    spots to the right and left when backing up or
    using the rear view mirror.

    I requested modification to the rear head rests
    before delivery. I received what has become a stock
    answer from Audi "No, the car passed all safety
    requirements......." My dealings with Audi for the
    past 19 months have been an ongoing nightmare of
    duplicity, arrogance, and unprofessional. My worst
    Dealer and Manufacture experience in 41 years of
    car ownership.

    The Audi dynamic still puzzles me since their
    advertisements, image, and history are performance
    related. My dealer started off very positively
    about several changes I wanted to make after
    driving the car for 4-5k miles. What a shock to
    have exhaust and brake upgrades refused after the
    dealer conferred with the area representative for
    Audi. The most disturbing aspect about the refusal
    was being treated like a "slow child" and treated
    in a very unpleasant manner.

    It seems that when my dealer confers with the Audi
    represenative that their formerly friendly and
    willingness to participate, if not doing the work
    helping acquire parts and provide referrals to
    competent Audi qualified Tuner/Mechanics.

    These are among the high points of my ongoing
    "enthusiastic" discussions with Audi. My most
    recent service, first oil change, detailing, a few
    clunks from the front end, and an intermittent
    problem with the entry remote system was awful. I
    sent the car right back with a five point re do
    list including the remote control being totally non
    functional when my A8 was returned. My A8 has been
    at the dealer for three and one half weeks and
    still the entry remote does not work. :(

    The A8 is a fine car to drive, some times anyway,
    ie: when no one is passing on the right or left
    side with a speed differential > 20 MPH over my 80
    mph on the interstate. Too many near misses when
    making a signaled lane change that includes LOOK
    out the window in the direction you are going to
    double check for any UFO's closing rapidly. Only my
    1988 Honda CRX SI, "Car of the Year" was worse for
    rear vision and I sold it after 9 months of
    ownership.

    Beautiful execution of detail and refinement
    marred by inexplicable safety deficiencies: vision
    and awkwardness using the dash controls for
    heat/cool and radio. Far too distracting for the
    driver. The two companies supplying rear view
    mirrors, the center one inside, are Gentex and
    Donnelley? Both of these manufacture's offer
    mirrors with a compass integrated into the mirror.
    Quite similar to my wife's Grand Cherokee LTD. In
    the Audi models prior to 99 or 00 that incorporate
    a GPS unit as part of the front center console. I
    want my damned compass and feel mildly miffed that
    I need to pay $180 - $250 for a mirror
    incorporating a compass.

    I wonder if the close association of the Audi R &
    D / manufacturing creates a "Not Invented Here"
    syndrome? This may account for the lack of
    forethought oversights that are so annoying with
    the A8. IE: NOT TETHER FOR THE GAS CAP OR PLACE TO
    SECURE IT. This oversight is a grade three fubar.

    Should you avoid the A8? I'm neither qualified to
    have an opinion Audi, or intelligent enough to make
    wise decisions Dealer. Funny I'm the gentleman who
    paid $70k (taxes tags etc.) for a fully loaded,
    every option except 17" wheels for the A8.

    Anonymous and angry.

    PS: I investigate "parktronic" equipment to
    compensate for the lack of safe rear vision when
    backing up and decided up a Microwave 10 ghz unit
    with a transceiver mounted on a license plate
    bracket and a small annunciator and visual display
    that provides both three levels 3' 6' 12' alerting
    to obsticals behind the car when in reverse. I
    asked my dealer to install it. 2 wires without
    polarity consideration for voltage and running the
    audio/visual alert head (2" x 3/4 x 1").

    My dealer's service manager called me up in a huff
    about my requesting they install aftermarket parts
    on my A8. Audi rep said NO. Dealership said if
    they wanted to do aftermarket they'd go to work for
    BestBuy or Circuit City.
  • norwindnorwind Member Posts: 2
    Hello All,

    I own an A8 4.2l 1998 and have some non
    theoretical experiences to share.

    1. It takes a hell of a long time to get the AL
    automobile fixed. I was run off the road at a high
    speed clover leaf access and what looked like a
    safe run off zone had a hidden 4' deep drainage
    ditch. Over three months w/o my ten day old car.
    Cost to my insurance company $27,000.

    2. Rear vision from the driver's seat is
    dangerously poor. The passenger's outside mirror is
    small and awful with several major blind spots on
    the right. Driver's side is a little better,
    however, compared to the S class cars I have driven
    it is outrageous that Audi would do such a
    shameful job on the safety details. Directly out
    the rear window there are major blind areas due to
    the very large rear seat head rests. In addition
    the C pillar's design was deemed production ready
    in 1991.

    The 1991 date came from one of two books Audi
    sends its' A8 owners. I am still surprised at the
    emphasis made about the C pillar size being fixed
    as it is by management. Between the head rests and
    the fat pillars there are two very large blind
    spots to the right and left when backing up or
    using the rear view mirror.

    I requested modification to the rear head rests
    before delivery. I received what has become a stock
    answer from Audi "No, the car passed all safety
    requirements......." My dealings with Audi for the
    past 19 months have been an ongoing nightmare of
    duplicity, arrogance, and unprofessional. My worst
    Dealer and Manufacture experience in 41 years of
    car ownership.

    The Audi dynamic still puzzles me since their
    advertisements, image, and history are performance
    related. My dealer started off very positively
    about several changes I wanted to make after
    driving the car for 4-5k miles. What a shock to
    have exhaust and brake upgrades refused after the
    dealer conferred with the area representative for
    Audi. The most disturbing aspect about the refusal
    was being treated like a "slow child" and treated
    in a very unpleasant manner.

    It seems that when my dealer confers with the Audi
    represenative that their formerly friendly and
    willingness to participate, if not doing the work
    helping acquire parts and provide referrals to
    competent Audi qualified Tuner/Mechanics.

    These are among the high points of my ongoing
    "enthusiastic" discussions with Audi. My most
    recent service, first oil change, detailing, a few
    clunks from the front end, and an intermittent
    problem with the entry remote system was awful. I
    sent the car right back with a five point re do
    list including the remote control being totally non
    functional when my A8 was returned. My A8 has been
    at the dealer for three and one half weeks and
    still the entry remote does not work. :(

    The A8 is a fine car to drive, some times anyway,
    ie: when no one is passing on the right or left
    side with a speed differential > 20 MPH over my 80
    mph on the interstate. Too many near misses when
    making a signaled lane change that includes LOOK
    out the window in the direction you are going to
    double check for any UFO's closing rapidly. Only my
    1988 Honda CRX SI, "Car of the Year" was worse for
    rear vision and I sold it after 9 months of
    ownership.

    Beautiful execution of detail and refinement
    marred by inexplicable safety deficiencies: vision
    and awkwardness using the dash controls for
    heat/cool and radio. Far too distracting for the
    driver. The two companies supplying rear view
    mirrors, the center one inside, are Gentex and
    Donnelley? Both of these manufacture's offer
    mirrors with a compass integrated into the mirror.
    Quite similar to my wife's Grand Cherokee LTD. In
    the Audi models prior to 99 or 00 that incorporate
    a GPS unit as part of the front center console. I
    want my damned compass and feel mildly miffed that
    I need to pay $180 - $250 for a mirror
    incorporating a compass.

    I wonder if the close association of the Audi R &
    D / manufacturing creates a "Not Invented Here"
    syndrome? This may account for the lack of
    forethought oversights that are so annoying with
    the A8. IE: NOT TETHER FOR THE GAS CAP OR PLACE TO
    SECURE IT. This oversight is a grade three fubar.

    Should you avoid the A8? I'm neither qualified to
    have an opinion per: Audi, or intelligent enough to make wise decisions per: Dealer. Funny I'm the gentleman who paid $70k (taxes tags etc.) for a fully loaded, every option except 17" wheels for the A8. My experience is an ongoing aggravation in the extreme, and I hope your experiences with your dealer and Audi of America are far more positive than mine are.

    Sincerely,

    Anonymous and angry.

    PS: I investigate "parktronic" equipment to
    compensate for the lack of safe rear vision when
    backing up and decided up a Microwave 10 ghz unit
    with a transceiver mounted on a license plate
    bracket and a small annunciator and visual display
    that provides both three levels 3' 6' 12' alerting
    to obsticals behind the car when in reverse. I
    asked my dealer to install it. 2 wires without
    polarity consideration for voltage and running the
    audio/visual alert head (2" x 3/4 x 1").

    My dealer's service manager called me up in a huff
    about my requesting they install aftermarket parts
    on my A8. Audi rep said NO. Dealership said if
    they wanted to do aftermarket they'd go to work for BestBuy or Circuit City.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Nobody has anything else to say about this wonderful car? Anybody looking foward to the 2000 model?


    M
  • syketasyketa Member Posts: 2
    Yes, Merc1, I am looking forward to the 2000 A8 and wish there was more info about it out there. I am told Audi intends to increase the horse power from 300 to about 365, in order to keep the A8 ahead of the new A6, which gets the 4.2 300 hp engine from A8 this year. I wish Audi would release some info on the 2000 models; maybe Audi is not Y2K Compliant yet.
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    I am considering the purchase of a either an A8 or a 540 (most likely used). I'm looking for feedback from folks who have driven both. Any comments/experience to share?
  • syketasyketa Member Posts: 2
    An interesting choice, especially because the (used) 540 will be considerably less expensive than the A8. I had a 540 before the recent body style change, and thought it was the best car I had ever driven. The new 540 is also a BLAST to drive, but I can't get past the fact that BMW has opted for a body designed by wind-tunnel engineers. The new 540 now looks like every thing else on the road, especially like a Honda from behind (though the front is still pretty striking).
    I'd like a 540, if they hadn't ruined its design. Also, if winter driving is a concern, then there is no comparing the A8 Quattro to a 540 rear wheel drive (BMW can keep the "traction control").
    For me, the A8 still has some character in body style (though it is, admittedly, no 740/750). And the attention to detail in the passenger cabin is absolutely to my liking.

    As a pure matter of road manners (cornering, handling, ride, etc.) I think it is a coin flip between these two choices. Will either be a dream? Yup. But the A8 will set you back a number of $$ more.

    Good choices and good luck.
  • alib1alib1 Member Posts: 3
    1) The engine is getting a 5-valve per cylinder head (40 valves total) with a modest 10 hp and 7 lb-ft torque gain. Therefore, the horesepower is (only) 310. Throttle response is supposedly improved for better low end power. Additional aluminum suspension components have dropped the weight by about 100 lbs.

    2) The A8 3.7 model has been discontinued.
    3) The base MSRP has been reduced to $62,000.
    4) A new front grille, revised door handles, and revised front apron change with foglights are the main exterior changes.
    5) Interior upgrades include a revised center console with Symphony stereo (in-dash CD/cassette).

    6) New options include park distance control, and navigation system.

    For exact invoice and MSRP, you can visit the www.a4.org A8/S8 forum.
  • alib1alib1 Member Posts: 3
    These prices were posted by an Audi dealer on A4.org forums. Kelly Blue Book web site might have these prices up by now. As you can see, there is still a sizeable difference between base invoice and MSRP prices. Considering that this wonderful sedan doesn't sell all that well, it should be possible to buy one close to invoice prices. I imagine that the massive dealer incentives won't be available for the '00 A8 right away. Perhaps later in the model year, Audi will bring back similar incentives (up to $7,500 now!) to move the A8's.

    Note that the navigation system is not the full- screen type with maps. It's a simple design with simple directions and voice (same as A4 and A6).

    MSRP for '00 A8 4.2 quattro:

    base - $62000
    warm weather pkg - $1200
    premium comfort pkg - $1500
    xenon - $500
    17" wheels - $1000
    navigation - $1100
    acoustic parking - $700
    ESP - $550 (electronic stability program)
    premium alcantara - $3500
    phone - $495
    destination - $525

    Invoice prices for '00 A8 4.2 quattro

    base - $54805
    warm weather pkg - $1056
    premium comfort pkg - $1320
    xenon - $440
    17" wheels - $880
    navigation - $968
    acoustic parking - $616
    ESP - $484
    premium alcantara - $3080
    phone - $431
  • hotch36hotch36 Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone been able to take advantage of the $7500 dealer incentive on a '99? If my math is right, a 4.2 Quattro with Warm and Electronics packages can be had for around 53.5K and that would still give the dealer a $1000 profit. Given this current incentives, are these '99s hard to find. I'm in CT.
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    Thanks for the input. Sorry, I understand the confusion based on my wording. I meant I was considering both used A8's as well as used 540's. I bought a '97 A8 yesterday with 9K miles on it (yes 9,000) for about $6K more that I could find a minimally equipped 540 of the same vintage with much higher mileage. I had an '87 BMW L-7 with a limited slip diff. so I have some idea what BMW's are like in winter driving conditions. I know I did the right thing for my driving needs.
  • alib1alib1 Member Posts: 3
    The November issue of Car & Driver has a 5-way comparison test of luxury sedans. Here is the order of finish:

    1) BMW 740iL
    2) Lexus LS400
    3) Audi A8 4.2 quattro
    4) Mercedes Benz S430
    5) Jaguar XJ8

    The A8 finished with 90 points, 3 points behind the winner and 1 point behind the LS400. The A8 had the strongest acceleration among the group, although all the numbers seem on the high side (A8 was fastest in 0-60 at 7.0 seconds). Lexus claimes that the LS400 accelerates to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Well in this test, the LS400 was about a full second slower.

    The A8 lost points for relatively harsh ride, weak brakes, excessive tire noise and lack of adequate room in the back for three passengers. The base and as-tested prices listed for the A8 seem to be about 5 grand too high ($67,500 base vs actual $62,000). Also, the vehicle weight is listed at over 4000 lbs. It was my impression that the '00 model weighs close to 3850 lbs with the additional use of aluminum suspension components.

    By the way, the revised interior of the A8 (as shown in one of the pictures) is simply gorgeous.
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    Well I can atest to the acceleration specs of the the A8. As I was driving home from work today, I happened to get on a two lane on ramp with a 740 right next to me. On the ramp there was a two lane toll plaza which we both passed through at the same time. Shortly after the plaza, the lanes merged down to one. The guy in the 740 went for it .... and so did I. He came in second, by about two and a half car lengths.
  • 1999a8owner1999a8owner Member Posts: 1
    It's always good to see our A8's stack up against the "chosen" big sedans. It seems that C&D and Motor Trend ( both owned by the same publisher ) never quite give the A8 that one final vote or votes to beat out the BMW or Lexus. I guess it just will never change. Even read the glorious words that Edmunds bestoes on the '00 740's then read the mundane ( but not critical ) words about the A8.

    I am surprised the '00 A8's MSRP is down about 10%, I guess the exchange rate is helping. Not a day goes by when at heads are turned to take a lookat my black beauty.

    There's always an idiot in the crowd though. I had this 20 something guy come to me a 40 something guy and asked me how I liked my Audi and inquired if it was as A4. I corrected him cordially and advised him it was an A8 & was all aluminium, he was still clueless. He then proceeded to relay a story of his older brother 1980 something Audi and all the problems he encountered. I asked him if he ever heard of any old german car of the early '80's vintage that didn't have problems with lots of maintenance costs. He just went da ! I further commented that my Audi has 3 years of free maintenance, he was surprised again.

    His last comment..as he walked away.." I would rather own a BMW ".....I said nothing but thought to myself, " people, really are narrow minded" but I must admit we are seeing more and more of the A4's & 6's on the roads these days.

    I can't wait to see that bad A6 with a V8 dropped under the hood. It surely will give the 5 Series a run for the money. I would then expect the horsepower to increase from the 310 to the higher 300's in the next couple of years for the A8, even though I've outrun a 740iL on the Interstate.
    I've read that the S8 won't meet EPA emission standards for the US.

    dat
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    Take heart dave ....

    Concerning your 20 something experience all I can say is in a world full of lemmings, the A8 is not easily appreciated or understood. As far as the automotive press goes, I know where they are coming from. The A8 is a brilliant car. Many of the reviewers love the A8. (Perhaps you should read some of its' reviews in Automobile Magazine.) But as brilliant as it is, the car does have some quirks that give the automotive press pause to place the vehicle in front of everything else in it's class. Why does BMW end up in front in this comparison? For the most part, because they make the kind of product the auto press loves. A flawlessly executed rear wheel drive car that has tight steering and great road manners. I can't speak to the Lexus because I have never driven one but apparently they seem to have matched manufacturing benchmarks with the rest of the top 5. From what I can see in the point spread mentioned in alib 1 post #23 there is little difference between first, second and third ither than personal preference.
    As for the price drop I'm guessing that Audi has amortized the A8 R & D and has lowered manufacturing cost by going to a single engine drive train model. The exchange rate may be helping as well. By the way, in a recent small performance car shoot out in Car and Driver, (or was it Road and Track?) the Audi S4 came out on top of all others in class including their beloved BMW M3.
  • audiaudia8audiaudia8 Member Posts: 2
    Just got back from a 1000 mile roadtrip in my new 2000 A8 in Montana and Wyoming. The driving experience was incredible with only minimal gripes. A few specifics:

    Everything about the car is designed for driving fast (I mean 100-130mph - the electronically limited top end). The handling feel gets better the faster you go. With your hands off the wheel, the car tracks superbly at speed. Due to the great aerodyamics, there is minimal wind noise even when bucking a 40mph headwind that we get out here. The new control locations are excellent. The cd changer and radio can all be controlled off the steering column without taking your eyes off the road. Acceleration is very quick even on steep mountain roads, although acceleration from standstill in normal drive mode has a slight lag. However the tiptronic allows you to eliminate this lag and keep the transmission in the sweet spot of the torque curve and really move this car. Emergency handling is incredibly good although a quick back and forth lane change at speed will produce some body roll while maintaining good control (this roll is nonexistent however on even the tightest curves). The xenon headlights turn night into day and are so tightly focussed that you can generally use high beams even with opposing traffic.

    I've seen all the reviews and can give you my comment on some of the negatives you may have read. First, the backseat definitely is not for 3 adults and leg room is tight if the front seats are all the way back. However, any normal legged driver will have the seat forward enough that back seat leg room for 2 adults or 3 children will be more than adequate. My car came with Goodyear Eagle H-rated LS tires on 17" rims. I have not heard a single squeal out of them and am very happy with their overall performance. I don't know if the 16" rims are getting the Continental tires that were panned in Car and Driver. If you are a driver, this car is exactly the right stiffness. One reviewer downgraded the A8 due to too stiff a ride but I wouldn't want it any other way. At night, the control lamps now blend red for the radio and center console with white lights for the speedometer and tach, a really cool combination. The interior appointments couldn't be better and seat comfort is excellent for long drives.

    Of course in snow country, quattro is the only way to go.Bmw's and mercedes don't cut it at all -- a feature which is really downplayed in all the reviews I've read.

    In summary, if you need a fashion statement and are hauling trophy wives in the backseat to the opera, go get a bmw or mercedes. If you want a great driving car, have a place to let it run and need a top-handling snow car to get you to the west's top ski areas, get an audi a8.
  • audiaudia8audiaudia8 Member Posts: 2
    Just got back from a 1000 mile roadtrip in my new 2000 A8 in Montana and Wyoming. The driving experience was incredible with only minimal gripes. A few specifics:

    Everything about the car is designed for driving fast (I mean 100-130mph - the electronically limited top end). The handling feel gets better the faster you go. With your hands off the wheel, the car tracks superbly at speed. Due to the great aerodyamics, there is minimal wind noise even when bucking a 40mph headwind that we get out here. The new control locations are excellent. The cd changer and radio can all be controlled off the steering column without taking your eyes off the road. Acceleration is very quick even on steep mountain roads, although acceleration from standstill in normal drive mode has a slight lag. However the tiptronic allows you to eliminate this lag and keep the transmission in the sweet spot of the torque curve and really move this car. Emergency handling is incredibly good although a quick back and forth lane change at speed will produce some body roll while maintaining good control (this roll is nonexistent however on even the tightest curves). The xenon headlights turn night into day and are so tightly focussed that you can generally use high beams even with opposing traffic.

    I've seen all the reviews and can give you my comment on some of the negatives you may have read. First, the backseat definitely is not for 3 adults and leg room is tight if the front seats are all the way back. However, any normal legged driver will have the seat forward enough that back seat leg room for 2 adults or 3 children will be more than adequate. My car came with Goodyear Eagle H-rated LS tires on 17" rims. I have not heard a single squeal out of them and am very happy with their overall performance. I don't know if the 16" rims are getting the Continental tires that were panned in Car and Driver. If you are a driver, this car is exactly the right stiffness. One reviewer downgraded the A8 due to too stiff a ride but I wouldn't want it any other way. At night, the control lamps now blend red for the radio and center console with white lights for the speedometer and tach, a really cool combination. The interior appointments couldn't be better and seat comfort is excellent for long drives.

    Of course in snow country, quattro is the only way to go.Bmw's and mercedes don't cut it at all -- a feature which is really downplayed in all the reviews I've read.

    In summary, if you need a fashion statement and are hauling trophy wives in the backseat to the opera, go get a bmw or mercedes. If you want a great driving car, have a place to let it run and need a top-handling snow car to get you to the west's top ski areas, get an audi a8.
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    Glad to hear the 17" Eagle LS works better that the 16" model. Perhaps it's the lower profile side wall or maybe Good Year has improved the tire since '97. I am buying 17" rims to replace my stock 16's and I'm going to Michelin Pilot XGT 4's for the rubber. Have you had any serious bad weather driving experience with the Eagles yet? (Just clarify, I mean have you driven in bad weather with these tires, not have you had bad experiences driving in bad weather but feel free to share in either event)
  • audiaudiaudia8audiaudiaudia8 Member Posts: 16
    billmillsva:

    I have not driven the Eagle LS's on wet or snowy roads yet. I've just ordered a set of the H-rated Michelin Pilot snow tires on 16" rims for winter driving. I opted for the 16" rims since the higher tire profile will plow thru deeper snow before hitting the wheels where my experience has been that packed snow in the wheel can sometimes temporarily throw the wheel out of balance.

    Let us know how you like the XGT 4's.
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    OK on the XGT 4's. I like your point about the snow tires on the 16" rims. (At what speed do you start to notice that?) I will still have my 16's so if the 55 XGT's don't cut it this winter I can always use the smaller rims for dedicated snow tires. Although I doubt I'll get the kind of snow here that you probably see, so I may be fine.
    Happy motoring!
  • audiaudiaudia8audiaudiaudia8 Member Posts: 16
    mm, the wheels can fill up with snow at any speed if the snow is the right consistency. If this happens the wheels get so out a balance that you will feel a significant shake at 40 mph. This was a problem with my 86 Audi 5000 quattro. I'm sure wheel design has an impact on this happening but am not sure what design would be optimum
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    Sorry to confuse the issue with poor wording. I was referring to the shaking you get with out of balance wheels when I asked at what speed you noticed the the effects. I am considering the Ronal R-28 wheel for the 17" rims which is a 7 spoke design. I wonder if that will add to potential snow build up what with more openings....
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Anyone know if the "stretched" A8 will have the VW's W12 engine. The stretched version is due here next spring.

    M
  • erijanerijan Member Posts: 1
    I, too, have heard of a stretched version. Is this simply akin to the 740i/740iL (longer wheelbase), or are there other modifications/options ? Does anybody have any more information regarding this version ? I happen to be one of those long-legged drivers and I am always concerned about the comfort of my rear seat passengers.
  • bananabanana Member Posts: 5
    try www.vwvortex.com

    i think that's where i read all about the stretched version of the A8.
  • jwolff1jwolff1 Member Posts: 1
    I own an A 8-sounds like you need a new dealer-mine in NJ is GREAT! Re rear vision-after 4 years in a Landcruiser I find no problem with the A8 in this regard. Re side vision-I have a bad neck so I CAN'T turn to look to the sides so I use convex mirrors on the side views wich leave NO blind spot and you do not need to turn around at all. Good luck!
  • shellzshellz Member Posts: 51
    Are there any good deals on the 2000 A8s? Anyone know?
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    What difference does it make what some one else tells you their buying price. The only deal that counts is the one you make. The dealer isn't going to sell you a car for any less than what you negotiate. If you want a rock bottom price, start low and be ready to walk away if you don't get the deal you want. You need to do your home work (read "look it up for your self") and have documented proof of refunds, rebates etc. (you can find most of this info on this site) when you walk in their door if you want to be prepared to negotiate. Saying "someone on the internet told me they got a 2000 A8 for X dollars and that's the deal I want" won't get you very far with most dealers, besides you may be able to do better than they did, particularly if they were not lying about what they paid.
  • shellzshellz Member Posts: 51
    Thanks for the motivation bill. I'll go to the dealership tomorrow and get the deal I think is right, and not one someone else has managed to get. I should have asked sooner.
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    Your welcome and sorry if I came off as a hard a--, but if you want to feel secure about the price you are negotiating when you talk with a sales person, it really helps to know the facts and not depend on what is usually an embellished version of the price a car may have sold for. Just remember stick to your guns. By the way you may want to make the actual deal on or near the last day of the month. You can talk and haggle and perhaps even walk away once or twice before then if you don't get the price you are looking for but you can be pretty sure that if you are close to a the price you want, dealers are more likely to give in or least go lower at the end of the month, perhaps even more so, if you have come to the table and walked away once before.
    Good Luck!
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    Well, after a few weeks of driving on Ronal R-28 8 x 17 wheels w/Michelin Pilot XGT Z4's I can say the following:
    1)There is little difference in the smoothness of the ride i.e it didn't really make the ride any rougher.
    2)There is little difference in the road noise except on certain road surfaces that can really make the XGT's howel.
    3)The overall handling of the car is improved. The eagles would howel when pressed in a turn and you could feel them giving into rollover (a minor vibration)I get none of that with the new tires. However the XGT can squeal when cornering if you push them hard.

    The 17" Ronals are wider than the 16" stock wheels although I stayed with a 225 tire. A 245 may have been a better choice for dry pavement and cut down on some of the squealing but my tire salesman said he felt the 225 would offer better wet weather traction since it would not have to displace as much water to maintain contact with the road.
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    The Wall Street Journal recently published a story about automobile safety, testing various makes and models using a combination of factors, including the results of government crash tests, the cars' active and passive safety features and vehicle weight. Although not all vehicles were included in the rankings, of all the SEDANS that were tested, the Audi A8 came out No. 1 - pretty impressive!

    The top rated vehicle of all types? Thanks to its massive weight and the basic laws of physics, the GMC/Chevrolet Suburban topped the list. However, the Audi beat out a number of larger and heavier "truck-based" vehicles - most of them in fact - which is somewhat surprising to me considering the A8's mostly aluminum exterior.
  • rollierollie Member Posts: 337
    Regarding post #43:

    As I recall, their test is very controversial because they developed their own ranking criteria which is HEAVILY slanted towards the weight of a vehicle regardless of design. The A8 is a safe car but it is also a heavy car even with the aluminum body. The WSJ rating criteria placed a lot of SUVs near the top rankings despite the fact that these things can't maneuver, roll-over if you have to maneuver, are worse than cars in collisions with stationary objects, can't accelerate their way out of trouble spots, etc. I personally wouldn't put much stock in the WSJ ratings. I'm sure there are more established organizations out there doing actual tests that can provide real data on the A8 (FIA NCAP would be a guess).

    -rdo
    russell.ollie@erols.com
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    In the real world, with most crashes involving one vehicle smashing into another, relative weight DOES make a big difference. If safety was the one and only thing that mattered, I'd definitely be driving a Suburban, or similar sized vehicle. If I absolutely required the utmost in safety from a sedan, I'd get the A8. Quattro traction, air bags galore, a space-age frame IN ADDITION TO relatively high vehicle weight.
  • rollierollie Member Posts: 337
    Regarding post #45:

    All things being equal, yes more weight is better (simple conservation of momentum shows who has the energy management advantage here). However, in the real world all things aren't equal. There are simply too many heavy vehicles that are heavy because they are purpose built (most of which will transmit crash energy throughout the whole vehicle including the passenger cabin), not because of the weight of the safety innovations that went into the design. The Suburban is a good example. It would fare well more often than not because of the combined effects of it's weight and height. If the Suburban was the exact same vehicle with the ride height of an average car it would change the equation significantly. Would you still want to be T-boned in a Suburban in this scenario? My point is that there is a significant difference between a vehicle engineered for safety that happens to be heavy vs. a vehicle that is simply heavy. If I'm in a vehicle and it's the front of my vehicle striking another car then perhaps a Suburban is a good choice in many scenarios. On the other hand, if I'm being struck by a vehicle, I would much rather be in a vehicle with substantial weight that was designed to manage the energy of a crash in a fashion that protects the occupants. In the WSJ weightings, there is not enough distinction drawn between a 4000 lb A8 or a 4000 lb poorly designed SUV because of the emphasis on weight.

    -rdo
    russell.ollie@erols.com
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    I didn't save the article, but I do remember that the A8 WAS ranked higher than ALMOST ALL trucks and SUV's, including many with a HIGHER RIDE HEIGHT and MORE WEIGHT. Therefore, the formula for determining the rankings must have drawn a distinction between vehicles that are merely heavy and those that are in your words "designed to to manage the energy of a crash in a fashion that protects the occupants."

    You also said that "If the Suburban was the exact same vehicle with the ride height of an average car it would change the equation significantly." But the whole point of the article was to assess the real world safety of various vehicles by taking into account their ACTUAL ride height and vehicle weight -- the way they are built without changing any equations -- IN ADDITION TO the other usual safety factors, including government crash tests. As you said, the Suburban "...would
    fare well more often than not because of the
    combined effects of it's weight and height" ... PLUS it's seat belts, air bags, heavy frame, etc. But if it collides head on with a loaded dump truck, I'll bet on the dump truck!

    (This is my last post on this - we have drifted off topic, as my original point was that the A8 was the top rated SEDAN.)
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    My salesman told me the A8 was the only Luxury Sedan to get a 5 star (the highest available) NHTSA safety rating for both passenger and drive positions. I checked the DOT web site and sure enough it was true, which speaks well for the A8, however ..... the only other European luxury/performance manufacturer listed was Mecedes and the only models I could find listed were the C230 and the ML. Hardly equal vehicles as far as this type of comparison goes. The A8 was only rated for front impact as well, no information was available for side impact. I guess Audi didn't want to sacrifice two cars for the test(s).
  • buffndmbuffndm Member Posts: 5
    The point is that the A8 can maneuver and accelerate its way out of trouble while also providing the safety benefits of a heavier vehicle. Sounds like a great combination to me.
  • billmillsvabillmillsva Member Posts: 53
    I agree. My previous vehicle was a '99 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4. Now I drive a '97 A8.
  • audiaudiaudia8audiaudiaudia8 Member Posts: 16
    I and my family have driven SUV's for the past 9 years primarily for safety. How do I justify buying a 2000 A8? Because your probability of getting hurt is equal to the probability of being in a crash multiplied by the probability of injury resulting from the crash. All of these crash tests and articles only deal with the second of these two probabilities, and enough's been posted on this point. In my view, the probability of getting in a crash with an A8 is orders of magnitude less than being in a crash with an SUV -- assuming an identical driver and speeds. Due to its superior handling and lower center of gravity, it is obvious that an A8 will be far less likely to rollover or leave the pavement. Emergency responsiveness will allow for on-pavement avoidance maneuvers that would be impossible in an SUV when a potential crash with another vehicle is imminent. The fact that the A8 also excels in occupant protection, i.e. the second probability, is just icing on the cake.
  • audiaudiaudia8audiaudiaudia8 Member Posts: 16
    I and my family have driven SUV's for the past 9 years primarily for safety. How do I justify buying a 2000 A8? Because your probability of getting hurt is equal to the probability of being in a crash multiplied by the probability of injury resulting from the crash. All of these crash tests and articles only deal with the second of these two probabilities, and enough's been posted on this point. In my view, the probability of getting in a crash with an A8 is orders of magnitude less than being in a crash with an SUV -- assuming an identical driver and speeds. Due to its superior handling and lower center of gravity, it is obvious that an A8 will be far less likely to rollover or leave the pavement. Emergency responsiveness will allow for on-pavement avoidance maneuvers that would be impossible in an SUV when a potential crash with another vehicle is imminent. The fact that the A8 also excels in occupant protection, i.e. the second probability, is just icing on the cake.
This discussion has been closed.